The Early Career Development (ECD) program is the primary mechanism of RI-INBRE research developmental support. These awards are available to junior faculty at URI and Brown University and the partner Rhode Island Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) – Bryant University, Johnson and Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University. The goal of the ECD mechanism is to support the research career development of promising new or early-career tenure-track faculty. Faculty are expected to demonstrate a commitment to research excellence and strong potential to establish an independently funded biomedical research program in one or more of the RI-INBRE thematic areas: cancer, neuroscience, or environmental health sciences. Participating faculty must have a commitment of 50% release time (equivalent to 6.0 person-months) to conduct ECD research. In addition, ECD investigators must identify an established investigator at URI or Brown (or in the Greater New England area) to serve as a mentor/scientific advisor. ECD projects are typically funded for a 2-year period. Calls for proposals will be announced in the fall semester.
ECD Awards
- Biosensors for the detection of thiol-containing biomacromolecules via cationic aromatic compounds - Investigator: Reza Abiri, University of Rhode Island Mentor: Walter Besio, University of Rhode Island Theme: Neuroscience Title: Biosensors for the detection of thiol-containing biomacromolecules via cationic aromatic compounds Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: The ability to focus attention and encode the information are among the brain’s most important cognitive and perceptive functions. Different neurological… Continue Reading
- Assessing the impact of harmful macroalgal blooms on coastal environmental health - INVESTIGATOR: Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis, Salve Regina University MENTOR: Marta Gomez-Chiarri, University of Rhode Island SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: Overall, the goal of this proposed research is to assess the impacts of harmful macroalgal blooms on higher trophic levels and coastal environmental health. The health of coastal ecosystems can impact public health by compromising food sources… Continue Reading
- Mental health and the environment for unaccompanied children in the United States - Investigator: Robert Hasson, Providence College Mentor: Thomas Crea, Boston College Theme: Neuroscience Title: Mental health and the environment for unaccompanied children in the United States Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: The proposed study examines mental health outcomes for unaccompanied children, a growing population of uniquely vulnerable immigrants who are resettled in the United States… Continue Reading
- Functionalizable and Degradable Polymers for Disease Treatment - INVESTIGATOR: Elizabeth Kiesewetter, Rhode Island College MENTOR: Brenton DeBoef, University of Rhode Island SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: Multi-drug resistance represents a major hurdle in disease treatment. While some polymeric approaches aimed at overcoming multi-drug resistance have shown promise, they are largely based on synthetically costly procedures or materials that cannot be metabolized to benign… Continue Reading
- Neuromuscular control and sensory feedback of fish fins - INVESTIGATOR: Anabela Maia, Rhode Island College MENTOR: Elizabeth Brainerd, Brown University SCIENTIFIC THEME: Neuroscience ABSTRACT: Problems with motor control strongly impact quality of life. Lack of control and the inability to adequate perceive sensory information and adjust muscle contraction are at the source of many pathologies including Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis as well in a variety… Continue Reading
- Photonic thin films for the colorimetric detection of waterborne pollutants - INVESTIGATOR: Benjamin McDonald, Brown University MENTOR: Jason Dwyer, University of Rhode Island TITLE: Photonic thin films for the colorimetric detection of waterborne pollutants SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences AWARD: Early Career Development (2022-2024) ABSTRACT: Microbial and PFAS in drinking water, as well as marine and freshwater bodies of water, are persistent and increasing threats to… Continue Reading
- Neural correlates of visual statistical learning and morphological processing - Investigator: Joanna Morris, Providence College Mentor: James Morgan, Brown University Theme: Neuroscience Title: Neural correlates of visual statistical learning and morphological processing Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: Dyslexia is a brain-based learning disorder that involves difficulty reading despite adequate sensory and perceptual ability, intelligence, and opportunities to learn. Recently, several research groups have shown… Continue Reading
- An Evaluation of Cancer Survivorship in Blacks/Latinx in Rhode Island - Investigator: Candidus Nwakasi, Providence College Mentor: Brown University, University of Rhode Island Theme: Cancer Title: An Evaluation of Cancer Survivorship in Blacks/Latinx in Rhode Island Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: Cancer survivorship covers the period starting from cancer diagnoses and treatment to end of life — with focus on the effect of cancer and treatment… Continue Reading
- StarD5: A novel target in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease - Investigator: Gabriella Papale, Salve Regina University Mentor: William Van Nostrand, University of Rhode Island Theme: Neuroscience Title: StarD5: A novel target in the progression of Alzheimer's disease Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder and the main cause of dementia. While it is well understood that accumulation of beta-amyloid… Continue Reading
- Neural Mechanisms Underlying Maladaptive Reward Memories in Drosophila - INVESTIGATOR: Kristin Scaplan, Bryant University MENTOR: Karla Kaun, Brown University SCIENTIFIC THEME: Neuroscience ABSTRACT: Alcohol addiction constitutes one of the most serious public health problems worldwide. Despite its devastating impact, there are few effective treatments. Circuit based approaches to treat addiction provide a powerful opportunity to develop more specific and effective treatments. However, circuit complexity has… Continue Reading
- Identifying and Quantifying Drug Metabolism by the Human Gut Microbiome - INVESTIGATOR: Tyler Stack, Providence College MENTOR: Karen Allen, Boston University SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: A growing field of research is identifying the myriad of ways that gut bacteria affect human health. Among many known roles, these microbes can aid digestion, prevent infections of virulent bacteria, and impact mood by altering hormones. One growing area… Continue Reading
- Metabolic effect of stress: Sirt 1’s role in brain homeostatic and hedonic nuclei - INVESTIGATOR: Anika Toorie, Rhode Island College THEME: Environmental Health Sciences MENTOR: Elena Oancea, Brown University ABSTRACT: Adolescence is a critical period of development and stress incurred during this phase can affect immediate and long-term health. Glucocorticoids (GC), produced from activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is critical in the resolution of stress. GC also regulate… Continue Reading